Times are a Changin'

Looking back through images from this year so far- I am constantly delighted seeing the fabulous cakes my clients have chosen for me to make.

It is like seeing them finished for the first time all over again.

It has been a big year of changes here at Cake That!- After a long break over the end of last year and the beginning of this year- I slowly moved back into caking. Making some fantastic cakes for some truly wonderful people.

All the while readjusting this business to what it was born to be- a job that was here to keep me creatively excited- not one to make me a millionaire- but one to let me have a life and a lifestyle that I was proud of. Taking on a more relaxed tone- and having more fun, letting go of stress and just being me :D

I recently launched the new updated website- which features the style of cakes that inspire me. Hopefully you love the new sections as much as I do. Choosing which cakes to include was a very hard task- getting the right balance of my all time favourites, along with those that catch the ever savvy clients eye didn't happen overnight..........well it happened over around 100 nights- lets be honest hahhaha- it was a project that I wished could have been completed faster- but got there in the end (still getting there- Fingers crossed the Real weddings/Testimonials section will be completed by the end of the month)

The Facebook page is nearing 5000 "likers" which in itself blows my mind. Whilst this may be small numbers to some other well known companies- to me this is enormous- close to 5000 people have taken the time to click "like" on my page- so a HUGE Thank you to them. Not only does it seem that you like the page- I am also getting some great feedback through there too. Don't be shy in leaving a comment - or leaving a message- I appreciate it all.

So if you have been patient enough to sit through this blog intro- I had better not disappoint you with the cakes I am about to feature- Right?
So here we go :

After my long break The first cab off the rank was filled with fun!
In the Cake That! colours too! This three tier Mad Hatter for Emily and Jake was the confidence I needed to prove I could still do it (cake making that is) - I hadn't forgotten what to do- my Cake Brain still functioned- Yippee!

 This Hot Pink and Black Themed cake had "Helter Skelter" stripes on the top tier- which looked even more wicked on real life- Heart print over the middle and Varied stripes on the base. Instead of leaving the silver paper covered board- I iced it silver- to give it a clean finish.
A cake this bold definitely a talking point.

It was not long after the cake above- that I was contacted by an old (not in age but more of a Cherished way) client- who wanted a surprise birthday cake for her husband.
Now this couple are one that I will NEVER forget- they definitely hold a little piece of my Cake That! heart. The most genuine and appreciative couple- they ventured well outside the lines of tradition with thier "Super Mario" wedding cake. They trusted me way back then to make a cake  Uniquely them.

This time around it was another cake that held special meaning.

Athene wanted to surprise Wade with a Companion Cube- What is a Companion Cube you ask?? Actually I have virtually no idea- I know it is from a computer game- and it looks like fun- but I am sure those in "the know" will know and appreciate what it is/does- along with the suitably quirky message that was on the board.

From all reports it was very well received- mission accomplished :D

It seems that Hot pink and Black were in this year.
The next cupcake tower kept it simple and classy.

Black papers- alternating tiers of Hot pink and Black Hearts, all topped off with a cute couple.

 Making the little sugar dresses and cool hairdo's really are a big highlight to me once finished.

Obviously I was on a lean the day the next lot of shots were taken- geeeez!

Some New Display cakes were in order for the Studio (actually more new ones are on the agenda at the moment)- so I sat down and drew some out- then put them together.

I like to have a bit of fun with the displays- and it has certainly seemed to inspire clients- who get to see both the size and the decoration close up.

While most couples who opt for custom toppers have them sitting or standing nicely together- I felt this whimsical extended height three tier cake needed a bit of a twist. I put the spotlight on the bride here- having her sit daintily on the top edge- looking most bridal- all the while her groom is lying behind her- giving the "Thumbs up" and a wave! I also gave him red hair too- Cheeky monkey groom lol

 And whilst it may be hard to recognise- the "dots" on the cake are Ivory on a white cake. I did this not only to add a little depth- but also to be able to demonstrate to subtly between the two shades of fondant. Yes eh Ivory will seem a tad darker en mass- but essentially it is just offwhite.

Fluffyness is very "IN" at the moment. It seems I was ahead of my time with the Mummy cake from 2005 hahahhah- anywho- I had drawn up a Pale pink Ombre ruffle design- and as great minds think alike- even though we hadn't spoken at all about displays- my great friend and colleague Amanda from Deliberately Delicious- posted a picture of a brand new Purple Ombre Ruffle cake just as I was about to begin my original Pink one. Not one to cut someone else's grass- I mad a quick change to this pretty all white fluffy flower design instead.

 The simple drop scallop piping and pearl detail along the top edge adds to this delicate and lovely design.

The next cake is a twost on one that I do adore.

The Ivory version of this cake was my Facebook Profile pic for a while (It is now replaced)- but with teh ever growing trend in Pearl finishes and dusty hues- I chose to make a dusty pink pearl finish cake with Ivory lace overlay.
Bold Vintage is what I will call it.

It kind of looks brownish in this pic - but it is like a dark tea rose in real life.

Inspiration for display cakes is constantly popping into my head- if only I could just play making cakes all day- I would need a new studio to display them all.

Well that is all for now- if you haven't already done so- head on over to the new website and have a look! I hope you love it- and it is mobile too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No more only being able to view it on a PC YAY!

Thanks for reading

SJ xx

www.cakethat.com.au

Four tiers and more!

There are definitely benefits of running behind with blogging. For one I get to reminisce about all the fabulous cakes and not to mention the equally lovely clients who received them.

I also am reminded- especially after a short break over Xmas and New Years- that I can do it (get all the cake orders done for the week) and that I need not stress as it will all happen. With the weather still being unkind and bucketing down- my perfectly dry Air con room is worth its weight in gold! 

The third week in November was one with some impressive cakes indeed.

I find small things intriguing- such as the fact that I has Two four tier cakes and Two Cakes will L&A on top..... silly I know- but when you spend the entire week surrounded by all things cake you go a tad loopy LOL!

I actually did a double take to make sure that I had the L&A correct on both cakes!

The first L&A  cake was held at Sirromet.

Organised entirely from The UK this cake was a pleasure to make for such a lovely couple.  

A two tier version of the Silver Strings cake design.

The topper letters were sourced from the UK.

The next L&A cake was for Indooroopilly Golf Club.

A simple yet stylish three tier cake with Silver Monogram initials on top.  

 I didn't have far to go to deliver the next cake- just around the corner to Hillstone- St Lucia.

This Vintage inspired cake for Megan and Liam including dusty pink piping detail and sugar bows to complete the theme.

Megan and Liam's photos were taken by the Uber talented Toni Snell- check out their wedding on her Blog!

I had a trip out to Glengariff to deliver the first four tier cake of the weekend.

Crystals and Diamantes were scattered throughout the piping and also on the two ribbon sliders.  

The couple topped off the cake with a cool set of toppers- which were realistic caricatures of the couple!

One of my favourite cakes over the years has been the Fresh Bride/Bridal Rose Design. With all the piped icing pearls it is just really pretty.  

Finished off with fresh roses in varying pinks- it was just gorgeous!  

 

This cake weighed a tonne- thank goodness for Steve's Muscles  to carry the cake from the car to the table for me :)

The next cake took allot of time and effort- but every bit worth it!

A tower of cupcakes in a Peacock and White colour theme.

Pearl finish and embossing- Butterflies and Blossoms- every bit just gorgeous.

Inspired by an image sent to me by the bride- (unfortunately I have no idea who the original artist actually is) the cake themselves looked very much like that of the style of the Small Things Iced company in the UK.  

The Wedding was held at a private home in Newmarket- and from the comments from the Bride it went down a treat! 

 

I love the dome cupcakes- really pretty indeed!

Last but not least for the week was some cupcakes for a returning clients mum's birthday!

Sandy has been a great client- starting with her massive 7 tier tower of cupcakes for her wedding- then cupcakes for her baby shower last year and now Cupcakes for her mum!

How gorgeous are they both! Congrats- I hope that you had an amazing day!

Stay safe Keep Dry and thanks for Reading

SJ

2010 Semester 2 begins.....

After a short mid year break- I returned to work at a nice easy pace.

Working my way into wedding season in August.

I had some great July cakes to make.

Possibly my favourite cake from July was this Drum Kit cake made for a past wedding clients Birthday.

Two Drums- with the top drum turned on its side and the Birthday message- including the recipients name in the "pearl" drum font.

The cake was a surprise for Drew- who looked mighty happy when I delivered it!

Happy Birthday Drew- I hope you had a fabulous night!

I had a Ruby Wedding Anniversary cake too.

Organised by the couples Children- the daughter had arranged a ruby version of the "Blue Bling Butterfly" cake form my website.

Drapes and Crystals- very pretty indeed.

Being a "J" month means that I get to do allot more celebration cakes- rather than all weddings.

I had this variation of my "Mummy" cake for an engagement party.

I often feel really sad to not be able to help with engagement cakes- as often I am already booked out- so when I get the opportunity to make one- it is really special to me.

The newly engaged beautiful bride to be and her lovely mum came to meet with me before I went on Holidays ( and gave me some great BKK tips- thank you)

Pretty much undecided on what cake design they would like- I made a quote with a fair few ideas and let them go home and have a good think about it.

They decided on a two tier( extended tier) version of the Mummy cake. 

A pearl finish and red rose petals to complete the design.

Pearl finish on the cake made it sparkle.

I love it when I get to make cakes that fit in with invitations.

I would  like to think that the guests really notice that the cake matches in with the theme.

The invites for this next cake had lots of clusters of different sized and shades purple dots.

Fun and Funky!

The striped board gave added fun to this cake too.

It wasn't all celebration cakes in July.

I had a few weddings too!

I was freaked out to see that one week after the other I had the very same design- but with slightly different decorations. 

It goes to show how a little bit of colour can make the Ribbons and Roses design look very different indeed.

This variation to the Pearl lines design was also on order for a July wedding.

My first time back to the Stamford in a month or so too.

The last- but not least-  wedding cake for July is this Black and White version of the Skeleton leaves design

I painted/dyed the leaves black- and used the couples invitation and bomboniere ribbon to wrap around the cake.

This was delivered to the QLD Club- my first time there - and it is beautiful. From the lovely Thank you I received form the Bride and Groom- I can see that they too enjoyed the design as much as I did!

Congratulations to all of my couples and Happy Birthday to the Birthday Cake recipients!

Allot of Fab August cakes to come!

Thanks for reading

SJ

May Day May Day!

Each week my aim is to get a shot (I sometimes even fluke a great shot) of each and every cake I make for the week. This first week in May was one of those weeks where I managed to miss a few of my cakes- albeit because I didn't either  A: set the cake up at home and take a shot before delivery  or B: I did get a shot but it is so blurry that you could barely recognise what it is meant to be.

But the good news is that although I won't be able to show you each and every cake from this particular weekend- what I do have is pretty special indeed ;)

I will start with what looks to be a stylish simple design- that oozes elegance. This three tier cake is banded with a sugar black ribbon- and finished with fresh Antique roses ( Karen @Bliss Floral) 

 

This wedding cake was set up in Fix Restaurant- where my sister in law is soon to hold her wedding reception (oh excitement!!!!!) A stunning refurbishment has turned this restaurant into a warm romantic venue- A sleek contemporary transformation indeed!

What I love about this cake is its timelessness- when this happy couple look back in 20 years time on their wedding images- this sophisticated cake should still be vogue.

I had two cakes at Hillstone on the Saturday- this first one was a pretty cupcake tower for the rosewood room.

The second was my "Invitation print" design for the Grandview room.

This cake design has become really popular. Originally designed to match in with Amity invites invitations I have even had couples buy the invitations to match the cake.

I seemed to be delivering to my most favourite venues on this particular weekend... my next stop Customs House.

This Four tier cake had the tiers set in a slight spiral- with a band of cream icing with damask overlay- and a gun metal grey ribbon and diamante buckle- just like the invitations the bride and groom sent out.

A cute couple sat on top of this big cake.

The reception was held in the Long Room at Customs house- and this room- in my opinion- needs a big cake. A gorgeous domed roof and an architecturally divine space needs a large cake to make a presence.

I also had a cake over at Boulevarde Gardens on Sunday- where I was delighted to run into Linda from The Party Girls- she had set up the room for the same wedding I was delivering too.

  This three tier cake was banded with eucalyptus green ribbon and ivory pearls. Sugar tulips on top.

Last but not least was a cake that was sent out to Peppers Hiddenvale/Clovelly Estate Grandchester.

This cake was all about vintage. Gorgeous Champagne coloured icing overlaid with a delicate white royal icing stencil- pearls and Ivory sugar roses- and tiny crystals- so pretty!

Tiny Swarovski Bicone crystals and sugar pearls were in amongst the Ivory sugar roses.

  

Seeing that I am only up  to the first week in May I had better get a move on.. I cannot believe how behind in blogging I am LOL!!

Thanks for Reading

SJ

Festive Sensations!

The last week of November was HOT! not just in temperature- but some smashing cakes too!

First stop for the week was at the ever gorgeous Restaurant Lurleens at Sirromet! I Love going to Sirromet- the venue is gorgeous and Kylie and Marie Louise are just wonderful!
This cake was for a Friday Afternoon wedding- and when I turned up at around 3pm- the lunchtime festive party goers were still in full swing.
Bringing a cake to a restaurant is like lighting a huge beacon that says- "come over and point your finger really close- whilst oohing and ahhing" LOL!
Although the cake was being set well out of the way of the leaving traffic- it seemed though that it was a destined detour for most of the Merry folk as they left. I felt for Kylie as she tried to keep curious onlookers away from the cake, as harmless as their intentions are, after a few drinks you almost need to remind the viewers to "look with your eyes" as you would do with a toddler in a department store.


All jokes aside- this cake smelt better than it looked! the warm temperature really made the chocolate scent carry through the venue!
A tower of mini cupcakes in varying shades of butter cream icing- complete with a cute couple on top. Such a fabulous couple too! Congratulations Emma and Scott!

Saturday meant a huge day of deliveries for me!
First stop was the Stamford- where I delivered this Damask finish cake.


The icing bow was coloured to match the Bridesmaids dresses, complete with edible brooch- it was elegant with a vintage feel.
After this picture was taken I finished the sugar ribbons with some luster- to really give them a satin look- Stunning indeed!

Matching the event colours to the cake is a common request- and this next cake had the draping coloured to match in with the bomboniere ribbon detail. The dusty blue colour was also extended to the centers of some of the sugar roses too! Congratulations to Daniella and Jon!

This particular weekend also had me headed over to Michael's Oriental at Sunnybank to deliver this next cake.


A design that I do reasonably often- Classic Pretty- beautiful!

I also had a cake go to a private home wedding at Stretton- this two tier version of the Skeleton leaves design was a twist on the original cake.

Last but not least for the weekend were some cupcakes for Victoria Park!

A simple black and cream design- that was finished with fresh flowers later on.

That rounded off a big November for me!

Now all I need to do is blog about December and 20o9 is all wrapped up!

Thanks for Reading
SJ

Catching up slowly........

I feel quite slack being so behind on my blogging- when you receive than yous and professional images from your couples before you have had a chance to blog about their cake- means that I am indeed well an truly behind!

The week ending the 15th November had me making bomboniere as well as cakes!
I also made a "Neapolitan sponge"- which is a layered chocolate /raspberry/vanilla sponge cake! I cannot wait to see the cut pictures of that one indeed!
The cake which held the sponge was a gorgeous vintage style design.

The icing was a pearl effect Ivory- with a white cut overlay- just beautiful. A cartoon Bride and groom sat on the edge of the top tier.


The Brides gown was a lovely soft silver with a white chiffon overlay- so I made the topper and gently dusted the gown with pearl white to create the chiffon effect.

I also made chocolate heart bombonieries- which acted as the name place tags too!
I hope this doesn't sound odd but -I always feel quite embarrassed when people get excited about what I do.
I made this Tiffany box cake for an engagement party- and when the couple came to collect the cake- the Bride to be was super excited about getting a "Cake That!" cake. She is an avid follower of my blog- and told me about how long she had been waiting for an opportunity to get on of "my" cakes. Whilst it is my absolute pleasure to make the cake- I only make cakes and don't feel special about it at all.


Seeing clients get so excited is a fabulous thing-and is something that certainly makes me blush for sure.

I also had another Chocolate Mountain cake design this week- this time it went over to Stradbroke Island!For a change to the design- this cake had Leucodendrons in amongst the chocolate scrolls to finish it off.

With the heat of summer rising- I am just about to take my annual leave from making cakes.
I will be unable to make cakes between the 24th December 2009 and the 20th January 2010. ( I will still be answering emails/calls and am able to take bookings during this period)
This is the time of year I take off to catch up on all the "fun" part of running a business- like bookwork and equipment maintenance. I also plan to update my website with some new images too!
I will also be visiting Melbourne - to check out some of the fabulous Cake stores and equipment suppliers- and hopefully get some wonderful new tools to use too! Of course I will also include allot of eating while I am down there too!
I haven't been to Melbourne since I was a child- so I look forward to spending a week there immersing myself in all things cake! If you are from Melbourne and have any suggestions of where I should check out- I welcome your suggestions!

Thanks for reading!
SJ

Winners are grinners.....

Well with Less than 18 hours until I head forthe UK- I still had wedding cakes to make- and deliver this week!

As some of you may remember- Earlier this year I ran a competition in conjunction with Beyond the Bride to "Win your Wedding cake"! A lovely girl called Rebbecca Won the $400 Voucher- and used it towards- what very well may become- my new favourite cake!


Inspired by a design in a magazine- this two tier cake has a double barrel base and a single top tier. Iced in an almost Wedgewood/Dusty Powder Blue- with a damask stencil overlay, this vintage style design is so pretty! Piped icing pearls are around the base of each tier, and a spray of Ivory roses and fillers sit atop of the base tier.
The Wedding Reception is being held- this evening- at the Treasury Hotel- in the gorgeous Ryan's Private Dining Room!
It was a pleasure to create such a beautiful cake for a wonderful couple! I hope that they and thier guests enjoy the cake- and the Rosewater White chocolate and Raspberry cake inside!

The next cake took my Husband and I our last 3 hour tour for a while! This cake is for a fabulous couple who are holding their reception down at the Royal Pines Resort- on the Gold Coast.
I wasn't the first cake decorator chosen to make this couples cake- they had actually already booked another- then she decided to go on Holidays- and promptly canceled their booking- how rude! I am so glad they came to me- Todd and Karen are such a friendly couple- the type of clients you could chat to for hours- I hope they have a spectacular night- and enjoy their cakes!!


This tower of Mini cakes is a mixture of dark chocolate Mud and White Raspberry Mud, topped off with a Fruit cake!

The couple searched High and Low for their cake topper- a set of replica rings- which they found in the US! They bought it home with them , and now have a keepsake from their special day!


My husband has suggested that the UK weather has come to us! I hope this dreary winter weather doesn't dampen everyones wedding day!

Last but not least- is the mini cake that I have made for my Grandmother's birthday! As you cake decorators out there will be well aware- here is ALWAYS left over coloured icing when you mix it for a cake- and luckily for me- I could use this fabulous colour for my Grandmother's cake!


Cut from a matured fruit cake- this mini cake is iced in the dusty blue icing- with a mini quilt over he base tier- and Ivory Sugar roses on the top. Very grand for a Nana!

Well the excitement has well and truly set in now! I have packed- and am about to repack before I go! I have close to 8kg of food to bring for My sister and her housemates - including 4 packets of Tim Tams- which are currently only $1.85 per pack at Wollies!Bargain!

I look forward to keeping everyone up to date with my UK adventures!

I have recorded a Phone Message to let you all know that I am away and am unable to bake cakes- or give consultations until Early August- I will- however- still be answering emails- so send on any inquiries through to
mailto: sarahjane@cakethat.com.au

Have a fantastic weekend!! I will be in the UK on Monday!!!!!!